Thief River Falls – Annette Mary Bruggeman, 59, of Thief River Falls,  passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022, peacefully at her family’s residence.
Annette was born November 17, 1962 in Minneapolis, the daughter of George Joseph and Darlene Jean (Lowell) Bydlon. She attended Pershing High School, Plummer, graduating with the class of 1981.  She worked at Country Kitchen in Thief River Falls, as a waitress at the Thief River Falls Airport, where she was manager and jack-of-all-trades, and in 2006  she began working at Digi-Key.
On May 24, 1986 Annette was united in marriage to Brian Bruggeman at Brian’s parents’ home in Thief River Falls. They were married for 36 years. In 2018 Annette learned she had Lou Gehrig’s disease/ALS. For the next four years, Annette made the best of her circumstances, being unwilling to quit living life.
Annette loved creating, crafting, and challenging herself. From taking down walls and creating a pantry to riding her Screaming Eagle Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 with her hubby by her side.  In her later years, she enjoyed riding side by side with Charlie, her loving dog.  She loved to explore the region and around the world: Europe, Mexico, Alaska, and more.  Annette loved spending time with her grandchildren—teaching them how to craft, bake and challenge themselves.
Annette is survived by her husband of 36 years, Brian Bruggeman; son, Ryan (Kayla) Bruggeman; daughter, Stephanie (Cody) Peters;  grandchildren, Nora, Miley, Leah, Azure, and Kyzer; Vinette (John) Menshek, Lynette (Dave) Lohse, Janette (Tom) Braaten, Kathleen (Josh) Goodyke;  brother, Shaun (Michelle) Lowell; step-brother, Tony (Lisa) Lowell; Penny Porter, and Candy Erickson; sister-in-law, Julie Ornquist; brothers-in-law, Dean (Dayna) Bruggeman, Jerry (Delia) Bruggeman; step-mom, Rochelle Bydlon; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George Bydlon and Darlene (Fred) Lowell; father- and mother-in-law, Dave and Jean Bruggeman; and brother-in-law, Mitch Bruggeman
Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Service Chapel, Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Service Chapel, Thief River Falls, and one hour before the services.
Burial will be later at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
A00003B2022JN15